The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-08-27
DARIENs BLACK PHILANTHRoPIsT
Death of the Widow-How the Estate
is to be Divided

Death of the Widow-How the Estate
is to be Divided.
The death of Mary Ann Todd, relict of
Henry Todd, of Darien, Ga, which occurred
a short time ago, recalls the provisions of
the will of that remarkable and honored
colored citizen of Mcintosh county Henry
Todd, whose death occurred about a year
and half ago, was the richest colOred man
in the State. His wealth was estimated at
over $500, 600. After making a few small
requests OF property and annuities he willed
the residue of his estate 20 his wife for her
life After the death of both his wife and
his half brother, Francis Williams, the ex-
ecutors are, within three years from the
death of the last to REFUGE the
residuary estate to cash, of which he di-
reefs the following disposition: ''To the
Presbyterian church of Darien Ga, 10 per
centum of said cash, and to the colored Bap-
fist church of Darien also 10 per centum of
said cash. and per centum each to the fol-
lowing churches in said city of Darien, Ga,
to-wit: The Methodist Episcopal church
South, the Methodist Episcopal church for
the colored people, the African Methodist
Episcopal church, the white peopes EpiscO-
raj church, and the co orel peoples
quests to be paid over by my
executors as soon as practicable and with
out any unnecessary delay, to the proper of
ficers of such organizations, to be by such
officers so used as they may severally deem
best for the good of said churches
and the advancement of our Saviour's cause
in those branches Of the visible church,
and do from my inmost heart invoke the
blessings of God the Father, God the Son
and God the Holy Ghost upon these be-
quests, and they may be sanctified to the
accomplishment of good through the mer-
its of His Son and our blessed Re1ee mer-
Amen" The children of Savilla and Juan
ita Hernandez. Frank Caroline and William
Garvin, are the other heirs who now come
in for the remainder of the estate which
was devised to Todd's wife for the term OF
her life The half brothers. Francis Will
liams, died before the tesator, therefore,
the executors may now begin the work of
reducing the residuary interest OF Mary
Ann Todd to cash, and in three years
the churches of Darien will receive about
500, 900 IN the coin or currency of the coun-
try. Todd was "Churchman," but, it il
seen, he did not confine his gifts to the
household of his own faith. His partner in
the milling business was white man, Mr..
Henry Huntington. Todd also did a large
banking business, and was always known
for his libe,aliUy He constantly lent with
out taking note or collateral His wife was
singularly esteemed, and enjoyed the unex-
ampled mark of favor among the members
of her race that the ladies' OF Darien visited
her socially. She was an Industrious
woman, and had amassed quite fortune
in her own right. Bat it would appear
that she had little confidence in
banks or bankers in spite of her husbands
avocation nor did she believe in the sane
tity and trustworthiness of last wills and
testaments. After her husbands demise
she was forced to bring bill in equity to
obtain possession of certain personal prop
erty A box marked with Henry Todd's
name was deposited in the vaults of the
Southern bank Of the city. II was taken
possession of by the executors and found to
contain $4,000 in bank notes. This box
she recovered. Her real estate she decided
in escrow TO friends and relatives, not leav-
ing her lands for tho law t. distribute